Department of Religions and Philosophies

The Great Tradition of Taoism

Module Code:

15PSRH036

Unit value:

0.5

Taught in:

Term 1

This course will offer a main narrative of Taoism as a recognisable tradition of religious ideas and practices throughout the history of China, while giving particular emphasis to the areas of cosmology, meditation, alchemy and ritual.

The seminars will focus on selected readings of textual materials in translation and in-depth discussion of the topic treated in the lectures.

As a major aspect of Chinese religious identity, Taoism is a recommended major to students in the MA Religions who focus on the religious traditions of China and East Asia at large; it is of particular relevance to students pursuing the specialist pathway in Buddhist Studies as a tool for the understanding of East Asian Buddhism; topics treated during the course are also relevant to the specialist pathways in Japanese Religions and Gender Studies and Religions.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

At the end of the course a student should be able to:

demonstrate a sound knowledge of the history, doctrines and rituals of Taoism, in the wider context of Chinese indigenous religion;

define and describe Taoism as an organised religion, locating its overlaps with and departures from popular cults and Buddhism;

map the different strains and lineages of Taoism, tracing their background in classical Chinese thought, and their relevance to the identification and description of contemporary Chinese religious practice;

be aware of the different definitions of Taoism in contemporary Western academia.

Workload

This is a 10 week course where the students will spend 2 hours in lectures and 1 hour in seminars/tutorials.

Scope and syllabus

It will explore the early shaping of Taoist identity at the stage sometimes defined as ‘proto-Taoism’ (from antiquity to the second century CE), focusing on ancient texts like Laozi (Daode jing), Zhuangzi and Neiye. Attention will then be paid to the emergence and development of Taoism as an organised religion during the Chinese Middle Ages (3rd-9th cent.), with special emphasis on the structure and ritual of the Celestial Master (Tianshi) church and its dialectic with popular cults.

Other topics will be the Shangqing and Lingbao traditions, the formation of the Taoist canon, and the relation of Taoism with Buddhism and power.

The final part of the course will survey modern developments from the Song dynasty (960-1279) to the late imperial period, focusing on the Quanzhen order, the practice of Internal Alchemy and exorcistic ritual. It will also assess the presence of Taoism in contemporary China and Taiwan, and discuss the perception of Taoism in the West.

Method of assessment

You will be expected to write a 6000 word essay which will count for 100% towards your final mark. Essay will be submitted on the first day of the term following that in which the bulk of teaching has taken place.